Concluding League A Group 1 of the 2024-25 UEFA Nations League, Croatia and Portugal lock horns in a top-of-the-table showdown on the Stadion Poljud in Break up on Monday.
The Selecao have already secured their spot within the quarter-finals as group winners, however Croatia want some extent to ensure their place within the knockout phases.
Match Preview
Portugal have been in imperious type within the Nations League, sweeping apart the competitors in customary trend.
Talisman Cristiano Ronaldo was accountable for two objectives of their 5-1 thrashing of Poland on Friday, together with an acrobatic overhead kick to deliver up his 132nd worldwide win – essentially the most by any male participant.
Roberto Martinez’s aspect have misplaced simply one in every of their earlier 10 Nations League matches away from house, with that solitary defeat coming in opposition to Switzerland in June 2022.
Croatia, alternatively, have had a combined bag of outcomes since their 2-1 pleasant victory over Portugal in the summertime.
After taking seven factors from 9 on supply between September 8 and October 15, the Chequered Ones squandered a possibility to rubber-stamp a second-placed end within the group, struggling a 1-0 loss to Scotland at Hampden Park.
Portugal’s latest type has been nothing in need of exemplary, successful 4 and drawing one in every of their final 5 aggressive and non-competitive fixtures.
In distinction, Croatia have received two, drawn one and misplaced two of their earlier 5 matches throughout all competitions.
Head-to-Head
Portugal maintain a dominant 7-2 benefit over Croatia of their earlier 9 encounters, with the Selecao avenging their summer time pleasant defeat by the identical scoreline of their first Nations League showdown of the yr again in September.
Group Information
With prime spot within the group already secured, Martinez has allowed a few of his big-hitters, together with Ronaldo, Bernardo Silva, and the suspended Bruno Fernandes, to move again to their golf equipment early.
This might open the door for Fabio Silva and in-demand Sporting Lisbon full-back Geovany Quenda to characteristic.
Predicted Beginning Line-ups:
Croatia: 4-2-3-1
Livakovic;
Pongracic, Caleta-Automobile, Sutalo, Gvardiol;
Modric, Kovacic;
L. Sucic, Pasalic, Perisic;
Kramaric
Portugal: 4-2-3-1
R. Silva;
Cancelo, Djalo, Araujo, Tavares;
Vitinha, Neves;
Conceicao, Felix, Trincao;
F. Silva
Prediction:
With Martinez resting a few of his key gamers, Croatia ought to be capable to capitalize and safe the purpose they should be a part of Portugal within the Nations League quarter-finals.
Nonetheless, the Selecao’s wealth of expertise means they’re nonetheless more likely to pose a major menace, and a draw appears essentially the most believable end result.
- Rating Prediction: Croatia 1-1 Portugal
Betting Suggestions:
– Each groups to attain (Sure)
– Over 2.5 objectives
– Fabio Silva to attain anytime
